Hong Kong racing tips: Jim McGrath with three selections at Sha Tin on Sunday

Rubylot
8.05 Sha Tin
2pts win

Masterofmyuniverse
8.45 Sha Tin
2pts win

Magnifique
9.20 Sha Tin
2pts win

David Hayes is set to turn back the clock more than two decades by saddling the vastly improved Rubylot to win the Hong Kong Derby (8.05), the feature of a cracking ten-race card at Sha Tin on Sunday.

On his previous stint in Hong Kong, Hayes sent out the smart filly Elegant Fashion to win the 2003 edition of local racing’s most coveted prize, and he is poised to repeat the dose with a four-year-old who is top-rated of the 14 runners after thriving this campaign.

Rubylot turned in the best trial of all when he rocketed to victory over My Wish and Johannes Brahms in the 1m1f Classic Cup three weeks ago. Forced to make up eight lengths on the leaders from the turn, he flew home and finished with Brenton Avdulla waving the whip crossing the line and with a little up his sleeve.

Johannes Brahms, an ex-Ballydoyle recruit to Hong Kong, also caught the eye and is a worthy contender for trainer Pierre Ng and Andrea Atzeni, who has regained the ride. The gelding has run only one poor race — when last in the Classic Mile — but overall he has acclimatised well to local conditions.

The draw is important from the tricky 1m2f start with its short run to the first turn, and while Rubylot is perfectly placed in stall four and Johannes Brahms only slightly worse off in eight, My Wish has drawn the extreme outside (14), which presents Luke Ferraris with a massive challenge.

Ryan Moore’s mount Mickley has been lacklustre recently and John Size sent him over the border to Conghua to freshen up. Best of Size’s three runners is Bundle Award, a rapid improver in recent outings who will give a good sight. Joao Moreira’s mount Packing Angel has place claims.

Size and Moore can combine for a win with the talented Masterofmyuniverse in the 6f handicap (8.45). The gelding was unlucky enough to meet a good one in Fast Network over course and distance last time and did well to get within three-quarters of a length of him.

Harry Bentley has taken over on Francis Meynell, who was ridden for speed last time when attempting to make all at Happy Valley. The Irish import may not have liked those tactics and could be better off taking a sit behind the pace from stall three. 

Avdulla is in great form and looks to be in for another successful day. Apart from Rubylot, his best ride is the David Hall-trained Magnifique, who can make it three out of three in the 6f handicap (9.20). He should take the step up in grade in his stride.

Sha Tin Placepot perm

7.00
4 Armour War Eagle
9 Endeared

7.30
7 Sky Vino
8 Lucky Fionn

8.05
1 Rubylot
3 Johannes Brahms

8.45
3 Masterofmyuniverse
7 Francis Meynell

9.20
3 Triumphant More
4 Magnifique

9.55
1 Senor Toba
6 Enthralled

2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 = 64 lines

Bets can be placed into Hong Kong pools with the Tote. The first race at Sha Tin on Sunday is at 5am.

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